GERMANY: Thüringer Waldbahn & Straßenbahn Gotha has awarded Stadler a contract to supply modern low-floor trams for its metre-gauge network.
The agreement announced on June 2 following an international tender covers the supply of an initial four vehicles and the provision of comprehensive maintenance services. The Land of Thüringen is providing €10m towards the €24·6m cost, with the remainder to be covered from local sources.
There are two options for four and two more vehicles, which would enable the replacement of trams which are over 40 years old and increase the proportion of accessible vehicles.
The five-section bidirectional stainless steel bodied Tramlink trams will be 32·5 m long and 2 450 mm wide at seat height, with 50 seats and a capacity of up to 180 passengers. They will be fully low-floor, with areas for wheelchair users having an intercom and emergency call buttons.
There will be five doors on each side, and TFT screens with real-time information. Insulation and the option to utilise heat recovery will contribute to energy efficiency. The cabs will be designed for driver comfort, optimum visibility and intuitive operation.
Delivery from Stadler’s Valencia factory is planned for Q3 and Q4 2027, for entry into service by July 2028.
‘With the Tramlink, we are investing in the future of local transport’, said TWSB Managing Director Karl-Heinz Koch. ‘The new vehicles not only offer more comfort and accessibility, but also a significant reduction in maintenance costs. This is a big step for our passengers and our city.’
The TWSB network includes 7·5 km of urban routes linking the city centre with the main and east stations and hospital, and an 18·2 km inter-urban route to Bad Tabarz with a branch to Waltershausen.
District councillor Onno Eckert said ‘this is the first time since the end of the 1980s that new trams have been procured. This is a real milestone. This acquisition is an important step on the way to modernising our tram infrastructure and a commitment by the district, the district council and the other shareholders to the further development of TWSB.’
